Disaster Field Office To Close
Release Date: August 27, 2003
Release Number: R9-03-64
» 2003 Region IX News Releases
Las Vegas, NV -- The Disaster Field Office (DFO), that supported the Determined Promise 2003 (DP '03) exercise, will close on Thursday, Aug. 28 at the close of the business day.
The DFO which is operated jointly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Nevada state, Clark County, the U.S. Northern Commands Joint Task Force Civil Support, Federal Aviation Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and more.
The main focus of DP '03 was on a simulated bio-terrorism event in Clark County, Nevada. The two-week scenario began with undiagnosed cases of flu-like symptoms in Las Vegas that rapidly escalate into a simulated outbreak of pneumonic plague. Soon determined to be a terrorist attack, the disaster response involved first the county depleting its resources, then requesting state support, and finally the state requesting federal assistance.
"All of us learned a great deal from this event. Clark County, the state of Nevada, Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) experienced and performed together a very important exercise that was successful," said Bill Carwile, FEMA federal coordinating officer. "This enhanced the linkage between all involved."
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages Citizen Corps, the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Aug-2003 08:57:09